The evolution of tactile interaction with screens that react to even the most delicate movement provides unmatched finesse and accuracy for the optimal user experience in contemporary intelligent devices.
Capacitive touchscreen displays are a cornerstone of modern interactive technology, esteemed for their high sensitivity and multi-touch capabilities. These advanced screens respond instantaneously to the lightest touch without pressure. This quality has revolutionized the user experience in various devices, from smartphones to in-car systems. The clarity and brightness they provide have set new standards for display quality, enhancing visibility under diverse lighting conditions. With their durable glass surfaces, capacitive touchscreens are not only resistant to scratches but also offer a significant reduction in maintenance needs, contributing to their widespread adoption. As a pivotal interface in countless applications, capacitive touchscreens facilitate swift, efficient, and intuitive interactions, cementing their role as a critical component in the seamless operation of everyday technology.
Capacitive touchscreen displays typically offer superior display quality and an enhanced user experience compared to their resistive counterparts. Texas Instruments (TI) has launched the reference design for the Capacitive Touchscreen Display, TIDEP0015, demonstrating the method for connecting a capacitive touchscreen display with the Sitara AM437x processors. Featuring an in-built touchscreen controller, the display connects seamlessly with the AM437x using the Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) port, showcasing an efficient integration process.
The enterprise and industrial sectors employ many systems that benefit from sophisticated technological integration. For enterprise solutions, multifunction printers stand out as versatile office staples. In the industrial realm, the breadth of equipment ranges from air circuit breakers (ACBs) and indoor air conditioner units to specialized aircraft cockpit displays and analytical lab instrumentation. The automotive industry utilizes advanced test equipment, while healthcare relies on life-sustaining devices such as baby warmers, incubators, and clinical pulse oximeters.
The reference design showcases a 7-inch TFT LCD panel that elevates the user experience with its capacitive touch interface. It boasts a vivid WVGA resolution of 800×480 pixels alongside a 24-bit RGB interface for rich, sharp visuals. The panel seamlessly integrates with the Sitara AM437x processor’s Display Sub-System (DSS), facilitating smooth visual performance. Additionally, the capacitive touchscreen is adeptly connected to the AM437x processor via an I2C bus, ensuring efficient and responsive user interactions.
For backlighting, the design employs 27 white LEDs, with the intensity regulated by a TPS61081 PWM-controlled LED driver, guaranteeing consistent and adjustable brightness. The power requirements of the LCD are efficiently managed by the TPS65105 linear regulator supply, which ensures the display’s reliable operation. All the components are incorporated into a fully assembled board meticulously developed for rigorous testing and validation, confirming the design’s robustness and readiness for deployment.
TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a Bill of Materials (BOM), schematics, etc. You can find additional data about the reference design on the company’s website. To read more about this reference design, click here.
